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The major scientific goal of the Atmospheric
Chemistry Experiment (ACE) mission is to
measure and understand the chemical processes
that control the distribution of ozone in the
Earth's atmosphere.
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SCISAT 1Canada's First Science Satellite in 30 Years
SCISAT-1 the first new Canadian scientific satellite since the ISIS-II mission in 1971 is currently undergoing construction and testing at Shirleys Bay David Florida Lab. Thirty years ago our goal was to better understand the ionosphere in order to improve our long distance communications. Today, the goal of SCISAT-1 is to help us better understand the ozone layer above the earth so that we can be more effective in our efforts to protect our environment.
Marc Garneau, president of the Canadian Space Agency, which owns and operates the David Florida Lab, says that "We will help not to correct the problems with the environment but to better understand them".
SCISAT-1 is scheduled to be air-launched on a Pegasus XL rocket by NASA in early 2003. The satellite will study global ozone depletion. The onboard experiment is called Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE).
Bristol Aerospace Limited has been selected by the Canadian Space Agency to build the all-Canadian science satellite, SCISAT-1. Bristol has begun work on the design and manufacture of the Canadian science satellite. Bristol's engineering team is currently working on site with the David Florida Lab to make the final preparations for the satellite's launch. Other contributors include the Ottawa firm Routes AstroEngineering. Routes engineer Shawn Mason says "Our company has just done one piece of the satellite and we've had an average of 5 people working on our component for the past three years".
The major scientific goal of the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) mission is to measure and understand the chemical processes that control the distribution of ozone in the Earth's atmosphere, especially at high altitudes. The data that will be recorded as SCISAT-1 orbits the Earth will help Canadian scientists and policy-makers assess existing environmental policy, and develop protective measures for improving the health of our atmosphere and preventing further ozone depletion. The ACE mission is designed to last for at least two years.
Advances in our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for ozone losses will tell us whether an ozone “hole,” such as the one found in Antarctica, is likely to occur above Canada in the future. More importantly, continued research, such as that which will be carried out on the ACE mission, will also help us identify how the ozone layer can be restored and preserved, thus protecting the health and well-being of all Canadians.
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